Note: By popular demand, Nikko is being added; however, this topic is still being researched, and information should not be relied upon until this message disappears. If you see a mistake, please comment below or contact me.
The Nikko Big Bubba is a 1/14 scale Radio Controlled Monster Truck manufactured by Nikko America in Singapore and released in various countries worldwide from approx. 1986*.
The Big Bubba was also sold as the Nikko Black Malibu 4WD and Sears Lobo 4WD.
*While it appeared in the Sears 1987 Catalog as the Sears Lobo 4x4, I've not yet found documented proof of when Nikko themselves released it. Usually it was a year prior to the Sears releases, so until I find information to the contrary, I'll go with this.
Features and Performance
Typically the average 'toy grade' monster truck of the 1980s is fairly slow with a crunchy gearbox and not enough power to lumber over a pencil. Yet from what I'm learning about the Big Bubba, it breaks the mold and delivers something much more fast paced and aggressive, while still keeping that signature "weeeeeeeeaaaa!" whine that you expect of any typical 80s monster. Nice!
Not owning one of these myself (it's literally in the mail, I loved it so much I bought one!), I don't yet have a personal opinion on whether it lives up to the claims, yet from all the footage and commentary I hear, this was a classic back in the day, capable of tearing up even low end hobby-grade trucks.
The actual specifications are fairly typical of a Nikko from the era with a RS-360 motor and 7.2V pack driving it, and an additional 9V on board the car presumably for the radio/electronics.
- Powered by a Mabuchi RS-360 Motor
- Vehicle takes both 7.2V Hobby Grade Battery and 9V Battery
- Shaft Driven 4WD with Rear Differential
- Front Suspension: Trailing Arm, Rear Suspension: Rigid Axle Differential Gear
- Mechanical Low and High Gear
- Jumbo Off-Road Air-Filled Tires
- Chrome embellishments and large front bumper
- Available as RDC-14003 in Red 49.860Mhz, and RDC-14280 in Black 27.xxxMhz
Tip: Look for missing exhaust when buying
Frequently the chrome exhaust pipe going vertical up the cab is missing / broken off on used cars. This does'nt really detract from the overall look of the car in my opinion (see one of the Red Bubba's in the gallery looks near mint, except for the missing stack.) and often people will just remove that whole chrome side piece, but finding a model with this intact would be best.
Hollywood Fame?
In the 1991 film 'Terminator 2: Judgement Day', when Sarah Connor is staking out Miles Dyson's home, there is a scene where his kid is racing around a radio controlled car that looks very similar to the Nikko Big Bubba and/or Nikko Black Malibu, as shown here. However the toy used in the film was sold at auction in 2020, and appears to have been a lightly customised Nikko Thor / Nikko Hawg which is a slightly larger 1/10 model.
Video of the Big Bubba in Action
Check out this excellent review by RC Retro of the Big Bubba with some great footage of it blasting (and whining!) around on grass and dirt.
Availability and Collectability
There are plenty of loose Nikko Big Bubba R/C cars available on eBay at the time of writing, though less common are cars in a box or in mint condition. Be patient if you're looking for the right one, these were well loved vehicles, and so like the Tyco Bandit or Scorcher, the majority will show signs of wear.
As for whether or not they are collectable, well in my opinion all 1980s Monster Trucks are collectable. There's nothing like them made today for less than $500 in hobby-grade format, and any toy grade will be all show and no go. Personally I think these will continue to grow in popularity as toy grade classics re-enter the R/C mainstream.
